Toner binder and toner

ABSTRACT

There is provided a toner binder containing a polyester resin (P) composed of two or more polyester resins that are each obtained by polycondensation of a carboxylic acid component (x) and an alcohol component (y). The alcohol component (y) of at least one polyester resin (P1) constituting the polyester resin (P) comprises 30 to 100 molar % of an adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 ethylene oxide molecules. The alcohol component (y) of at least one other polyester resin (P2) constituting the polyester resin (P) comprises 50 to 95 molar % of an aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. The (P2) is other than the (P1), and the polyester resin (P) satisfies relationships as follows. 11.5≦SP value [(cal/cm 3 ) 1/2 ] of (P)≦13.0; and 5.2≦HLB value (according to the Oda method) of (P)≦7.1.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a toner binder and a toner to be usedfor electrophotography, electrostatic recording, electrostatic printing,and so on.

BACKGROUND ART

A toner binder for electrophotography for a heat fixing system, which isa fixing system of images commonly applied in copiers, printers and thelike, is required to allow a toner not to fuse to a hot roller even at ahigh fixing temperature (hot offset resistance), to be capable of fixinga toner even at a low fixing temperature (low-temperature fixingproperty), to have storage stability as microparticles (blockingresistance), and the like.

In order to improve such fixing performances of a toner, it isconventionally known to use incompatible resins specialized in a lowtemperature range and a high temperature range as a matrix phase and adomain phase, respectively. In addition, there is proposed a method inwhich a compatibilizing agent for compatibilizing the incompatibleresins is contained in a vinyl resin such as a styrene type polymer(Patent Document 1 and the like).

In order to improve blocking resistance, especially blocking resistancein relation to storage stability under a high-temperature and -humidityenvironment, there is proposed a toner binder composed of a polyesterresin obtained by using a specific polyol component such as1,2-propylene glycol and neopentyl glycol, without consideration for theSP value range and the HLB value range (Patent Document 2 and the like).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: JP-A-8-328303-   Patent Document 2: JP-A-2006-154686

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Recently, however, copiers and printers have been increasingly demandedto have color capability, high speed, high reliability, compaction, lowcost, and energy conservation. Especially, due to a demand for reductionin environmental load (energy conservation), there are requests forreconciling of further low-temperature fixing property and blockingresistance of a toner and for a resin further improved inelectrification characteristics, and therefore immediate actions arerequired.

Conventional toners composed of a matrix phase and a domain phase do notsufficiently satisfy all of fixing properties (balance betweenlow-temperature fixing property and hot offset resistance) and storagestability, and they are requested to have a particularly wide fixingtemperature range when recent high-speed machines or small electroniccopiers are used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a toner binder and atoner, wherein the toner binder, when used in a toner, can ensure awidened fixing temperature range, excellent blocking resistance underhigh-temperature and -humidity conditions, and excellent electrificationcharacteristics.

Solutions to the Problems

In order to solve these problems, the present inventors have studiedintensively, and thus have achieved the present invention.

That is, the present invention includes the following two inventions.

[I] A toner binder which contains a polyester resin (P) composed of twoor more polyester resins that are each obtained by polycondensation of acarboxylic acid component (x) and an alcohol component (y), wherein thealcohol component (y) of at least one (P1) constituting the (P) contains30 to 100 molar % of an adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 ethyleneoxide molecules, the alcohol component (y) of at least one (P2)constituting the (P) contains 50 to 95 molar % of an aliphatic diol (y2)having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the (P2) is other than the (P1), and the (P)satisfies relationships (1) and (2),

11.5≦SP value [(cal/cm³)^(1/2)] of (P)≦13.0  (1)

5.2≦HLB value [according to the Oda method] of (P)≦7.1  (2).

[II] A toner which contains the above-mentioned toner binder, a colorantand, as necessary, one or more additives selected from a release agent,a charge controlling agent and a fluidizer.

Effects of the Invention

Use of the toner binder of the present invention has made it possible toprovide a toner which can ensure a widened fixing temperature range,excellent blocking resistance under high-temperature and -humidityconditions, and excellent electrification characteristics (saturatedelectrification amount, rise of electrification, electrificationstability).

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is described in detail below.

The toner binder of the present invention contains a polyester resin (P)composed of two or more polyester resins that are each obtained bypolycondensation of a carboxylic acid component (x) and an alcoholcomponent (y).

In terms of fixing property and blocking resistance underhigh-temperature and -humidity conditions, the polyester resin (P) isrequired to satisfy the following: the alcohol component (y) of at leastone (P1) constituting the (P) contains 30 to 100 molar % of an adduct(y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 ethylene oxide (hereinafter abbreviatedas EO) molecules, the alcohol component (y) of at least one (P2)constituting the (P) contains 50 to 95 molar % of an aliphatic diol (y2)having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and the (P2) is one other than the (P1)[namely, one not containing 30 to 100 molar % of the (y1) in the (y)].The (P1) and the (P2) each may be used in a combination of two or morethereof.

In terms of fixing temperature range when used as a toner, the polyesterresin (P) is preferably composed of a linear polyester resin (A) and anonlinear polyester resin (B). The (A) and the (B) each may be used in acombination of two or more thereof.

When the polyester resin (P) is composed of the linear polyester resin(A) and the nonlinear polyester resin (B), the (A) and/or the (B) isrequired to contain the (P1) and the (A) and/or the (B) is required tocontain the (P2). In terms of fixing property, it is preferable that the(A) be the (P1) and it is more preferable that the (B) be the (P2).

In the following description, a linear polyester resin (A) thatcorresponds to the (P1) containing 30 to 100 molar % of the adduct (y1)of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO molecules in the alcohol component (y) maybe denoted by a linear polyester resin [P1(A)], a nonlinear polyesterresin (B) that corresponds to the (P1) may be denoted by a nonlinearpolyester resin [P1(B)], a linear polyester resin (A) that correspondsto the (P2) containing 50 to 95 molar % of the aliphatic diol (y2)having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the alcohol component (y) may be denotedby a linear polyester resin [P2(A)], and a nonlinear polyester resin (B)that corresponds to the (P2) may be denoted by a nonlinear polyesterresin [P2(B)].

Examples of the alcohol component (y) that constitutes the linearpolyester resin (A) include diols, tri- to octa- or higher hydricpolyols, and monools.

Examples of the diols include aliphatic diols (y2) having 2 to 4 carbonatoms (ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol,1,4-butanediol, diethylene glycol, and the like), aliphatic diols having5 to 36 carbon atoms (neopentyl glycol, 2,3-dimethylbutane-1,4-diol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, and the like); alkylene ether glycolshaving 5 to 36 carbon atoms (triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol,polytetramethylene ether glycol, and the like); alicyclic diols having 6to 36 carbon atoms (1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, hydrogenated bisphenol A,and the like); (poly)oxyalkylene [the number of carbon atoms of thealkylene group is 2 to 4 (oxyethylene, oxypropylene, and the like), thesame applies also to the following polyoxyalkylene groups]ethers of theabove-mentioned alicyclic diols [the number of oxyalkylene unit(s)(hereinafter abbreviated as AO unit(s)) is 1 to 30]; and polyoxyalkyleneethers (the number of AO units is 2 to 30) of dihydric phenols[monocyclic dihydric phenols (e.g., hydroquinone) and bisphenols(bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, and the like)], and two or morethereof may be used in combination.

Preferred among these are polyoxyalkylene ethers (the number of AO unitsis 2 to 30) of bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, andthe like), more preferred is the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4EO molecules, and particularly preferred is an 85% or more adduct (y11)of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules.

Examples of the tri- to octa- or higher hydric polyols include aliphatictri- to octa- or higher polyhydric alcohols having 3 to 36 carbon atoms(alkane polyols and their intramolecular or intermolecular dehydrationproducts, e.g., glycerol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane,pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, polyglycerol, anddipentaerythritol; saccharides and derivatives thereof, e.g., sucroseand methyl glucoside); (poly)oxyalkylene ethers (the number of AOunit(s) is 1 to 30) of the above-mentioned aliphatic polyhydricalcohols; polyoxyalkylene ethers (the number of AO units is 2 to 30) oftrisphenols (trisphenol PA and the like); and polyoxyalkylene ethers(the number of AO units is 2 to 30) of novolac resins (phenol novolac,cresol novolac, and the like; average degree of polymerization: 3 to60), and two or more thereof may be used in combination.

Preferred among such tri- to octa- or higher hydric polyols arepolyoxyalkylene ethers (the number of AO units is 2 to 30) of novolacresins.

Examples of the monools include alkanols having 1 to 30 carbon atoms(methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, dodecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol,cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and the like).

Preferred among such monools are alkanols having 8 to 24 carbon atoms,and dodecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and combinationsthereof are more preferred.

When the linear polyester resin (A) is a linear polyester resin [P1(A)],examples of the alcohol component (y) that constitutes the [P1(A)]include, in addition to the essential adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2to 4 EO molecules, diols other than the (y1), tri- to octa- or higherhydric polyols, and monools.

Usually, a commercially available adduct of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EOmolecules contains unreacted bisphenol A, an adduct with one EO moleculeand an adduct with 5 or more EO molecules in a small amount asimpurities in addition to an adduct with 2 to 4 EO molecules.

In the present invention, the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EOmolecules is defined as one that contains an adduct with 2 to 4 EOmolecules in 80% or more relative to the whole of the adducts with EO(including unreacted bisphenol A, an adduct with one EO molecule,adducts with 2 to 4 EO molecules and adducts with 5 or more EOmolecules) as measured by the method described below.

For example, an adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules is defined asone that contains an adduct with 2 EO molecules in 60% or more relativeto the whole of the adducts with EO (including unreacted bisphenol A, anadduct with one EO molecule, an adduct with 2 EO molecules, and adductswith 3 or more EO molecules) as measured by the method described below,and an adduct of bisphenol A with 3 EO molecules is defined as one thatcontains an adduct with 3 EO molecules in 60% or more relative to thewhole of the adducts with EO (including unreacted bisphenol A, adductswith 1 to 2 EO molecules, an adduct with 3 EO molecules, and adductswith 4 or more EO molecules) as measured by the method described below.The same applies also to an adduct of bisphenol A with 4 EO molecules.

Since the adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules, the adduct with 3EO molecules, and the adduct with 4 EO molecules usually satisfy alsothe definition of the above-mentioned adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2to 4 EO molecules, they correspond to the (y1).

In the present invention, when an adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EOmolecules is used as the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EOmolecules to be used for the polyester resin (P1), the purity thereof(the content of the 2 molar adduct) is preferably 85% or more, morepreferably 90% or more in terms of storage stability. In terms ofstorage stability, the content of the adduct of bisphenol A with one EOmolecule in the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO molecules ispreferably 1.5% or less, more preferably 1.2% or less.

When an 85% or more pure adduct (y11) of bisphenol A with 2 EO moleculesis used, storage stability is particularly good.

The content of the adduct of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO molecules in theadducts of bisphenol A with EO in the present invention, the purity ofthe adduct (y11) of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules, and the content ofthe adduct of bisphenol A with one EO molecule in the adduct (y1) ofbisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO molecules are values determined by themethods described below.

One milliliter of a silylation agent [TMSI-H, produced by GL Sciences,Inc.] is added to 30 to 50 mg of a sample (an adduct of bisphenol A withEO), which is dissolved in a hot water bath (50 to 70° C.), followed byvibration for 2 minutes to perform silylation. The mixture is left atrest for separation, followed by gas chromatography analysis of thesupernatant liquid to measure the peak areas of unreacted bisphenol A,an adduct with one EO molecule, an adduct with 2 EO molecules, an adductwith 3 EO molecules, an adduct with 4 EO molecules, and an adduct with 5EO molecules.

The area of the adduct with 2 EO molecules, the adduct with 3 EOmolecules and the adduct with 4 EO molecules in the total peak area,expressed in percentage, is taken as the content of the adduct ofbisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO molecules.

The area of the adduct with 2 EO molecules in the total peak area,expressed in percentage, is taken as the purity of the adduct ofbisphenol A with 2 EO molecules.

The area of the adduct with one EO molecule in the total peak area,expressed in percentage, is taken as the content of the adduct ofbisphenol A with one EO molecule in the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with2 to 4 EO molecules. No unreacted bisphenol A or no adduct with 6 ormore EO molecules existed in the adducts of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EOmolecules used in Example and Comparative Examples of the presentinvention.

[Conditions for Gas Chromatography Measurement]

Gas chromatograph: GC-14B [manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation]

Carrier gas: helium

Flow rate: 5 mL/min

Detector: hydrogen flame ionization detector

Hydrogen pressure: 0.6 kg/cm²

Air pressure: 0.5 kg/cm²

Column temperature: 200 to 300° C. (temperature elevation rate: 15°C./min)

The content of the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO moleculesin the alcohol component (y) of the linear polyester resin [P1(A)] [inthis context, this means an alcohol component that serves as aconstitutional unit of the linear polyester resin [P1(A)] except alcoholcomponents to be removed from the system during a polycondensationreaction] is usually 30 to 100 molar %, preferably 50 to 100 molar % interms of fixing property.

The preferred content of the above-mentioned (y1) applies also to thecase of the nonlinear polyester resin [P1(B)].

When the linear polyester resin (A) is a linear polyester resin [P2(A)],examples of the alcohol component (y) that constitutes the [P2(A)]include, in addition to the essential aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4carbon atoms, diols other than the (y2), tri- to octa- or higher hydricpolyols, and monools.

Examples of the aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4 carbon atoms includethose mentioned above, and two or more thereof may be used incombination.

Preferred among these (y2) are ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol,and ethylene glycol is more preferred.

In terms of storage stability and production efficiency, the linearpolyester resin (A) [hereinafter means both [P1(A)] and [P2(A)]]preferably contains at least one of a monool and the monocarboxylic acid(x1) mentioned below in the carboxylic acid component (x) and/or thealcohol component (y), and more preferably contains the monocarboxylicacid (x1) in the carboxylic acid component (x).

When a monool is contained, it is preferably used in such an amount(calculated value) that 5 molar % or more, more preferably 6 to 85 molar%, particularly preferably 8 to 80 molar %, most preferably 10 to 76molar %, of the terminal carboxyl groups of the (A) are esterified withthe monool in terms of storage stability and production efficiency.

The carboxylic acid component (x) that constitutes the linear polyesterresin (A) is preferably composed of a polycarboxylic acid (x2) and, asnecessary, a monocarboxylic acid (x1), and is more preferably composedof a monocarboxylic acid (x1) and a polycarboxylic acid (x2).

Of the monocarboxylic acid (x1), examples of the aliphatic (includingalicyclic) monocarboxylic acid include alkane monocarboxylic acidshaving 1 to 30 carbon atoms (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid,butanoic acid, isobutanoic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauricacid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, ceroticacid, montanic acid, melissic acid, and the like), and alkenemonocarboxylic acids having 3 to 24 carbon atoms (acrylic acid,methacrylic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and the like). Of the (x1),examples of the aromatic monocarboxylic acid include aromaticmonocarboxylic acids having 7 to 36 carbon atoms (benzoic acid,methylbenzoic acid, p-t-butylbenzoic acid, phenylpropionic acid,naphthoic acid, and the like).

Preferred among such (x1) are aromatic monocarboxylic acids having 7 to36 carbon atoms; benzoic acid, methylbenzoic acid, and p-t-butylbenzoicacid are more preferred, and benzoic acid is particularly preferred.

When the monocarboxylic acid (x1) is used in the linear polyester resin(A), it is preferably used in such an amount (calculated value) that 5molar % or more, more preferably 6 to 85 molar %, particularlypreferably 8 to 80 molar %, most preferably 10 to 76 molar %, of theterminal hydroxyl groups of the (A) are esterified with the (x1) interms of storage stability and production efficiency.

In terms of storage stability, the amount of the monocarboxylic acid(x1) in the constitutional units of the linear polyester resin (A) ispreferably 30 molar % or less, more preferably 1 to 25 molar %, andparticularly preferably 2 to 21 molar % relative to the whole carboxylicacid component (x).

Examples of the polycarboxylic acid (x2) include a dicarboxylic acid(x21) and/or a tri- to hexa- or higher valent polycarboxylic acid (x22).

Examples of the dicarboxylic acid (x21) include alkane dicarboxylicacids having 4 to 36 carbon atoms (e.g., succinic acid, adipic acid, andsebacic acid); alicyclic dicarboxylic acids having 6 to 40 carbon atoms[e.g., dimer acid (dimerized linoleic acid)]; alkene dicarboxylic acidshaving 4 to 36 carbon atoms (e.g., alkenylsuccinic acids such asdodecenylsuccinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, andmesaconic acid); aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 36 carbon atoms(phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and the like); and ester-forming derivatives thereof[lower alkyl (the number of carbon atoms of alkyl: 1 to 4; methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, and the like) esters and acid anhydrides; the sameapplies also to the following ester-forming derivatives]; and two ormore thereof may be used in combination. Preferred among these arealkene dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, aromaticdicarboxylic acids having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and ester-formingderivatives thereof, and terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and/orlower alkyl (the number of carbon atoms of alkyl: 1 to 4) esters thereof(x211) are more preferred.

Examples of the tri- to hexa- or higher valent polycarboxylic acid (x22)include aromatic polycarboxylic acids having 9 to 20 carbon atoms(trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, and the like), aliphaticpolycarboxylic acids having 6 to 36 carbon atoms (hexanetricarboxylicacid and the like), and ester-forming derivatives thereof, and two ormore thereof may be used in combination.

Preferred among these are trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, andester-forming derivatives thereof.

The content of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and/or lower alkyl(the number of carbon atoms of alkyl: 1 to 4) esters thereof (x211) inthe polycarboxylic acid (x2) is preferably 85 to 100 molar %, and morepreferably 90 to 100 molar % in terms of storage stability.

The molar ratio of the terephthalic acid and/or the lower alkyl esterthereof to the isophthalic acid and/or the lower alkyl ester thereof inthe (x211) is preferably from 20:80 to 100:0, and more preferably from30:70 to 100:0 in terms of the mechanical strength of resin.

The content of the aromatic carboxylic acid in the carboxylic acidcomponent (x) of the linear polyester resin (A) is preferably 80 to 100molar %, and more preferably 85 to 100 molar % in terms of storagestability and fixing property.

The percentage of the total of the tri- to octa- or higher hydricpolyols and the tri- to hexa- or higher valent polycarboxylic acids(x22) in the total of the carboxylic acid component (x) and the alcoholcomponent (y) is preferably 0.1 to 15 molar %, and more preferably 0.2to 12 molar %. When the percentage is 0.1 molar % or more, the storagestability of a toner is good, whereas when it is 15 molar % or less, theelectrification characteristics of a toner are good.

Although the method for producing a linear polyester resin (A) bypolycondensation of a carboxylic acid component (x) composed of apolycarboxylic acid (x2) and, as necessary, a monocarboxylic acid (x1)as well as an alcohol component (y) is not particularly limited and, forexample, a mixture of the (x1) and (x2) and the (y) can also bepolycondensed at once, at least part of the (x2) and the (y) may bepolycondensed beforehand in such an equivalent ratio that the hydroxylgroups of the (y) are excessive, then the hydroxyl groups of theresulting polycondensate (A0) may be reacted with the carboxyl groups ofthe (x1), and further polycondensed. As necessary, after thepolycondensation of the (A0) and the (x1), a tri- to hexa- or highervalent polycarboxylic acid (x22) may be charged and allowed to reactsubstantially as monofunctional or bifunctional one, and thenpolycondensation may be further performed under such conditions that theremaining functional groups are left unreacted. If conditions such asreaction temperature are varied and the (x22) is allowed to react astrifunctional or higher one for crosslinking, a nonlinear polyesterresin (B) is formed.

The reaction ratio between the alcohol component (y) and the carboxylicacid component (x) is preferably set to 2/1 to 1/2, more preferably1.5/1 to 1/1.3, and particularly preferably 1.3/1 to 1/1.2, expressed byan equivalent ratio [OH]/[COOH] of a hydroxyl group and a carboxylicgroup.

In the present invention, the polycondensation of a carboxylic acidcomponent (x) and an alcohol component (y) in obtaining a polyesterresin (P) may be carried out using a publicly known esterificationreaction. As a common method, the polycondensation may be carried out,for example, by allowing the components to react in an inert gas(nitrogen gas or the like) atmosphere in the presence of apolymerization catalyst, preferably at a reaction temperature of 150 to280° C., more preferably 180 to 270° C., particularly preferably 200 to260° C. Moreover, from the viewpoint of ensuring the polycondensationreaction, the reaction time is preferably 30 minutes or more,particularly preferably 2 to 40 hours.

It is also effective to reduce pressure in order to increase the rate ofreaction in the last stage of the reaction.

Furthermore, the polyester synthesized by the above-described method maybe subjected to a dehydration reaction at 160 to 180° C. in the presenceof a strong acid such as sulfuric acid to form a terminal vinyl group.Especially, when a terminal vinyl group is formed in the linearpolyester resin (A), it is preferable, in terms of storage stability andproduction efficiency, to form the terminal vinyl group in such anamount that 5 molar % or more, more preferably 6 to 85 molar %,particularly preferably 8 to 80 molar %, most preferably 10 to 76 molar%, of the terminal hydroxyl groups of the (A) are modified to vinylgroups (a value calculated from the rate of change of a hydroxyl value;although an ether bond may be by-produced from two terminal hydroxylgroups, the calculation is based on the assumption that all the terminalhydroxyl groups are converted into vinyl groups).

It is preferred to use a polymerization catalyst containing one or moremetals selected from titanium, antimony, zirconium, nickel and aluminumas a polymerization catalyst in terms of reactivity and environmentalprotection, and it is more preferred to use a titanium-containingcatalyst.

Examples of the titanium-containing catalyst include titanium alkoxides,titanium potassium oxalate, titanium terephthalate, the catalystsdisclosed in JP-A-2006-243715[titanium dihydroxybis(triethanolaminate),titanium monohydroxytris(triethanolaminate), titaniumdiisopropoxybis(triethanolaminate), intramolecular polycondensatesthereof, and the like], and the catalysts disclosed in JP-A-2007-11307(titanium tributoxyterephthalate, titanium triisopropoxyterephthalate,titanium diisopropoxyditerephthalate, and the like).

Examples of the antimony-containing catalyst include antimony trioxide.

Examples of the zirconium-containing catalyst include zirconium acetate.

Examples of the nickel-containing catalyst include nickelacetylacetonate.

Examples of the aluminum-containing catalyst include aluminum hydroxideand aluminum triisopropoxide.

Preferably, the loading amount of the catalyst is determinedappropriately so that the rate of reaction is maximum. The loadingamount is preferably 10 ppm to 1.9%, more preferably 100 ppm to 1.7%relative to all the raw materials. Setting the loading amount to 10 ppmor more is preferred because it affords a high rate of reaction.

Hereinabove and hereinafter, % means % by weight unless otherwisestated.

The SP value of the linear polyester resin (A) [(cal/cm³)^(1/2); thesame shall apply hereinafter] is preferably 11.0 to 12.8, morepreferably 11.2 to 12.6.

When the SP value is 11.0 or more, the fixing property (on a highertemperature side) is better, whereas when it is 12.8 or less, theblocking resistance under high-temperature and -humidity conditions isimproved.

The SP value can be adjusted by the composition and the used amount ofthe carboxylic acid component (x) and the alcohol component (y) as rawmaterials.

The SP value in the present invention is calculated by the methodproposed by Fedors et al. and disclosed in the following document.

“POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE, FEBRUARY, 1974, Vol. 14, No. 2, ROBERTF. FEDORS. (pages 147-154)”

The acid value (AV) of the linear polyester resin (A) (mgKOH/g; the sameshall apply hereinafter) is preferably 0 to 60, more preferably 1 to 55,particularly preferably 2 to 50. If the acid value is 60 or less, theelectrification characteristics exhibited in use for a toner do notdeteriorate.

The hydroxyl value (OHV) of the linear polyester resin (A) (mgKOH/g; thesame shall apply hereinafter) is preferably 0 to 125, more preferably 1to 100. When the hydroxyl value is 125 or less, the hot offsetresistance and the storage stability achieved in use for a toner arebetter.

The acid value and the hydroxyl value in the present invention aremeasured by the method provided in JIS K0070.

The peak top molecular weight (hereinafter denoted by Mp) of the linearpolyester resin (A) is preferably 2000 to 12000, more preferably 2300 to11500, particularly preferably 2500 to 11000. When the Mp is 2000 ormore, a resin strength required for fixation can be obtained, whereaswhen it is 12000 or less, the low-temperature fixing property achievedin use for a toner is good.

Hereinbefore and hereinafter, the peak top molecular weight (Mp) and thenumber average molecular weight (Mn) of a polyester resin are measuredusing gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the conditions mentionedbelow.

Apparatus (example): HLC-8120 manufactured by Tosoh Corporation

Column (example): TSKgel GMHXL (2 columns)

-   -   TSKgel Multipore HXL-M (1 column)

Measurement temperature: 40° C.

Sample solution: 0.25% by weight solution in tetrahydrofuran(hereinafter denoted by THF)

Solution injection amount: 100 μl

Detection apparatus: refractive index detector

Reference material: TSK Standard Polystyrenes produced by TosohCorporation

Standard polystyrene molecular weight=12 points in total, namely,4480000, 2890000, 1090000, 355000, 190000, 96400, 37900, 18100, 9100,2800, 1050, and 500.

The molecular weight at which the maximum peak height is shown on theresulting chromatogram is called a peak top molecular weight (Mp). Inmeasurement of the molecular weight of a polyester resin, a solutionprepared by dissolving the polyester resin in a THF solvent andseparating an insoluble content by filtration with a glass filter wasused as a sample solution.

The softening point [Tm] of the linear polyester resin (A) is preferably70 to 120° C., more preferably 75 to 115° C., and particularlypreferably 80 to 110° C. Within this range, the balance between hotoffset resistance and low-temperature fixing property is good.

Tm is a value measured as follows.

Using an elevated flow tester {for example, CFT-500D manufactured byShimadzu Corporation}, 1 g of a measurement sample is pushed out througha nozzle having a diameter of 1 mm and a length of 1 mm by applicationof a load of 1.96 MPa by means of a plunger while it is heated at atemperature elevation rate of 6° C./rain, and a graph of the “plungerdescending amount (flow value)” and the “temperature” is drawn. Thetemperature corresponding to ½ of the maximum value of the descendingamount of the plunger is read from the graph, and the value (atemperature at which half of the measurement sample is flowed out) isdetermined as the softening point [Tm].

In terms of storage stability, the glass transition temperature [Tg] ofthe linear polyester resin (A) is preferably 45° C. or higher. When itis 75° C. or lower, the low-temperature fixing property achieved in usefor a toner is good.

Hereinbefore and hereinafter, Tg is measured by using DSC 20 and SSC/580manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc. in accordance with the method(DSC method) provided in ASTM D3418-82.

The THF-insoluble content in the linear polyester resin (A) ispreferably 5% or less in terms of the low-temperature fixing propertyachieved in use for a toner.

It is more preferably 4% or less, and particularly preferably 3% orless.

The THF-insoluble content in the present invention is determined byusing the following method.

Fifty ml of THF is added to 0.5 g of a sample, and stirred and refluxedfor 3 hours. After being cooled, the insoluble content is separated byfiltration with a glass filter, and the resin content remaining on theglass filter is dried under reduced pressure at 80° C. for 3 hours.Based on the weight ratio of the weight of the dried resin contentremaining on the glass filter to the weight of the sample, the insolublecontent is calculated.

It is preferable for the toner binder of the present invention in termsof reconciling low-temperature fixing property and hot offset resistancethat the polyester resin (P) contain the nonlinear polyester resin (B)as well as the linear polyester resin (A).

Examples of the alcohol component (y) that constitutes the nonlinearpolyester resin (B) include the aforementioned diols, tri- to octa- orhigher hydric polyols, and monools.

In terms of fixing property, the nonlinear polyester resin (B) ispreferably a nonlinear polyester resin [P2(B)] in which the alcoholcomponent (y) [this means, in the present context, an alcohol componentthat serves as a constitutional unit of the nonlinear polyester resin(B) except alcohol components to be removed from the system during apolycondensation reaction] contains an aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4carbon atoms in 50 to 95 molar %.

The content of the (y2) in the [P2(B)] is preferably 60 to 93 molar %.

The preferred content of the above-mentioned (y2) applies also to thecase of the linear polyester resin [P2(A)].

Examples of the aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4 carbon atoms includethose mentioned above, and two or more thereof may be used incombination.

Preferred among these (y2) are ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol,and ethylene glycol is more preferred.

The carboxylic acid component (x) of the nonlinear polyester resin (B)[hereinafter means both [P1(B)] and [P2(B)]] is preferably composed of apolycarboxylic acid (x2) and, as necessary, a monocarboxylic acid (x1)in terms of electrification characteristics, and is more preferablycomposed of a monocarboxylic acid (x1) and a polycarboxylic acid (x2).

Examples of the monocarboxylic acid (x1) include those mentioned aboveand preferred ones are also the same as those mentioned above.

In terms of storage stability, the amount of the monocarboxylic acid(x1) in the constitutional units of the nonlinear polyester resin (B) ispreferably 30 molar % or less, more preferably 1 to 25 molar %, andparticularly preferably 2 to 20 molar % relative to the whole carboxylicacid component (x).

Examples of the polycarboxylic acid (x2) include those mentioned above.

Preferred among the dicarboxylic acid (x21) are alkene dicarboxylicacids having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8to 20 carbon atoms, and ester-forming derivatives thereof, andterephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and/or lower alkyl (the number ofcarbon atoms of alkyl: 1 to 4) esters thereof (x211) are more preferred.

Preferred among the tri- to hexa- or higher valent polycarboxylic acid(x22) are trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, and ester-formingderivatives thereof.

The content of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and/or lower alkyl(the number of carbon atoms of alkyl: 1 to 4) esters thereof (x211) inthe polycarboxylic acid (x2) is preferably 85 to 100 molar %, and morepreferably 90 to 100 molar % in terms of storage stability.

The molar ratio of the terephthalic acid and/or the lower alkyl esterthereof to the isophthalic acid and/or the lower alkyl ester thereof inthe (x211) is preferably from 20:80 to 100:0, and more preferably from25:75 to 80:20 in terms of the mechanical strength of resin.

The content of the aromatic carboxylic acid in the carboxylic acidcomponent (x) of the nonlinear polyester resin (B) is preferably 80 to100 molar %, and more preferably 85 to 100 molar % in terms of storagestability and fixing property.

Moreover, the content of the aromatic carboxylic acid in the (X) in thewhole polyester resin (P) is preferably within the above-mentionedrange.

In terms of storage stability and production efficiency, the nonlinearpolyester resin (B) preferably contains at least one of a monool and amonocarboxylic acid (x1) in the carboxylic acid component (x) and/or thealcohol component (y) and more preferably contains the monocarboxylicacid (x1) in the carboxylic acid component (x).

When a monool is used, it is preferably used in such an amount(calculated value) that 5 molar % or more, more preferably 6 to 85 molar%, particularly preferably 8 to 80 molar %, most preferably 10 to 76molar %, of the terminal carboxyl groups of the (B) are esterified withthe monool in terms of storage stability and production efficiency.

When the monocarboxylic acid (x1) is used, it is preferably used in suchan amount (calculated value) that 5 molar % or more, more preferably 6to 85 molar %, particularly preferably 8 to 80 molar %, most preferably10 to 76 molar %, of the terminal hydroxyl groups of the (B) areesterified with the (x1) in terms of storage stability and productionefficiency.

The reaction conditions of the polycondensation of the carboxylic acidcomponent (x) and the alcohol component (y) in producing the nonlinearpolyester resin (B), and the polymerization catalyst to be used are thesame as those described for the above-described linear polyester resin(A).

When at least part of the polycarboxylic acid (x2) and the alcoholcomponent (y) are polycondensed in the above-mentioned first state, thereaction ratio between the (y) and the at least part of the (x2) ispreferably set to 2/1 to 1/1, more preferably 1.5/1 to 1.01/1, andparticularly preferably 1.3/1 to 1.02/1, expressed by an equivalentratio [OH]/[COOH] of a hydroxyl group to a carboxylic group.

The reaction ratio between the whole alcohol component (y) and the wholecarboxylic acid component (x) to be used for the production of the (B)is preferably set to 2/1 to 1/2, more preferably 1.5/1 to 1/1.3, andparticularly preferably 1.3/1 to 1/1.2, expressed by an equivalent ratio[OH]/[COOH] of a hydroxyl group to a carboxylic group.

The SP value of the nonlinear polyester resin (B) is preferably 11.5 to13.0, and more preferably 11.7 to 12.8.

When the SP value is 11.5 or more, fixing property (on a highertemperature side) is better, whereas when it is 13.0 or less, blockingresistance improves.

The glass transition temperature [Tg] of the nonlinear polyester resin(B) is preferably 45° C. to 75° C., more preferably 50° C. to 70° C.When the Tg is 75° C. or lower, low-temperature fixing propertyimproves. When the Tg is 45° C. or higher, blocking resistance is good.

The softening point [Tm] of the (B), which is not particularly limited,is preferably 90° C. to 170° C., more preferably 120° C. to 160° C. Whenthe Tm is 90° C. or higher, hot offset resistance is good, whereas whenit is 170° C. or lower, fixing property is good.

The Mp of the THF-soluble content of the nonlinear polyester resin (B)is preferably 3000 to 30000, more preferably 3200 to 25000, andparticularly preferably 3500 to 18000.

The THF-insoluble content in the nonlinear polyester resin (B) ispreferably 3 to 50% in terms of low-temperature fixing property. Thecontent is more preferably 5 to 40% and particularly preferably 10 to35%. When the THF-insoluble content is 50% or less, the gloss of animage is good.

The acid value (AV) of the nonlinear polyester resin (B) is preferably 0to 40, more preferably 1 to 30, and the hydroxyl value (OHV) thereof ispreferably 0 to 40, more preferably 0 to 32.

The sum of the acid value and the hydroxyl value of the nonlinearpolyester resin (B) is preferably 3 to 40, more preferably 10 to 40, andparticularly preferably 15 to 39. When the sum of the acid value and thehydroxyl value is 3 or more, the storage stability is good, whereas whenit is 40 or less, the electrification stability is improved.

When the polyester resin (P) contains the linear polyester resin (A)[preferably [P1(A)]] and the nonlinear polyester resin (B) [preferably[P2(B)]], the weight ratio of the (A) to the (B) [(A)/(B); the total istaken as 100] is preferably 10/90 to 90/10, more preferably 20/80 to80/20 in terms of reconciling low-temperature fixing property, hotoffset resistance, and grindability.

The SP value of the polyester resin (P) [preferably composed of thelinear polyester resin (A) and the nonlinear polyester resin (B)]contained in the toner binder of the present invention needs to satisfythe following relationship (1) in terms of fixing property and storagestability and it is preferably 11.6 to 12.9.

11.5≦SP value [(cal/cm³)^(1/2)] of (P)≦13.0  (1)

When the (P) is composed of two or more polyester resins, theabove-mentioned SP value is a value determined by weighted average fromthe SP values of the respective resins.

The HLB value of the polyester resin (P) needs to satisfy the followingrelationship (2) in terms of fixing property and storage stability andis preferably 5.3 to 7.0.

5.2≦HLB value [according to the Oda method] of (P)≦7.1  (2).

When the (P) is composed of two or more polyester resins, theabove-mentioned HLB value is a value determined by weighted average fromthe HLB values of the respective resins.

The HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance) is herein a measure thatindicates the inorganicity/organicity balance; a higher HLB value meanshigher inorganicity. Calculation is carried out using the Oda method,and by the following relationship:

HLB≈10×inorganicity/organicity

(see “KAIMEN KASSEIZAI NYUMON” published by Sanyo Chemical Industries,Ltd., 2007, p. 212).

The HLB value can be adjusted by the composition, the used amount, andso on of the carboxylic acid component (x) and the alcohol component (y)as raw materials of the polyester resin (P).

Examples of the method for adjusting the HLB value within the aboverange include, when the HLB value is reduced,

(1) a method that comprises using a hydrophobic monomer in the polyesterresin (P) [(P1) and/or (P2)] and adjusting the HLB value by the usedamount of the monomer, and

(2) a method that comprises reducing terminal polar functional groups(hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and the like) in the polyester resin(P) [(P1) and/or (P2)].

Specific examples of (2) include a method of esterifying 5 molar % ormore of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid, a method ofesterifying 5 molar % or more of terminal carboxyl groups with a monool,and a method of modifying 5 molar % or more of terminal hydroxyl groupsto vinyl groups, as described above.

The method (2) is preferred among these, and a method of cappingterminal functional groups by esterifying them with a monocarboxylicacid or a monool is more preferred. Particularly preferred is a methodof esterifying with a monocarboxylic acid.

The above method is a useful method because the polyester resin (P2),which contains an aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in 50to 95 molar %, tends to have a higher HLB value.

Since the polyester resin (P1) contained in the polyester resin (P), the(P1) containing an adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 EO moleculesin 30 to 100 molar % in the alcohol component (y), is relatively low inHLB value (5.0 or less in many cases) and the polyester resin (P2)containing an aliphatic diol (y2) having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in 50 to 95molar % in the alcohol component is relatively high in HLB value (6.0 ormore in many cases), the HLB value can be adjusted to within theabove-mentioned range by the weight ratio of the (P1) to the (P2).

The polyester resins (P1) and (P2) to be used for the present inventionare allowed to have HLB within the above-mentioned range, andpreferably, in terms of improvement in fixing property and storagestability, at least one of them [preferably (P1)] is one in which 5molar % or more of terminal hydroxyl groups are esterified with amonocarboxylic acid (x1), one in which 5 molar % or more of terminalcarboxyl groups are esterified with a monool, or one in which 5 molar %or more of terminal hydroxyl groups are modified to vinyl groups.Moreover, the carboxylic acid component (x) of at least one of the (P1)and the (P2) [preferably (P1)] preferably includes a monocarboxylic acid(x1) and a polycarboxylic acid (x2).

In terms of low-temperature fixing property, the polyester resins (P1)and (P2) to be used for the present invention preferably have losselastic moduli at 120° C. [in the present description also denoted by(P1)[G″120] and (P2)[G″120], respectively] (dyn/cm²) satisfyingrelationship (3), more preferably satisfying relationship (3′).

Furthermore, in terms of hot offset resistance, the storage elasticmodulus of the (P2) at 180° C. [in the present description also denotedby (P2)[G′180]] (dyn/cm²) preferably satisfies relationship (4), morepreferably satisfies relationship (4′).

100≧(P2)[G″120]/(P1)[G″120]≧1  (3)

80≧(P2)[G″120]/(P1)[G″120]≧5  (3′)

(P2)[G′180]≧2000  (4)

30000≧(P2)[G′180]≧3000  (4′)

When the relationship (4) is satisfied, it is considered that theviscosity is not excessively low in a practical application range evenin a high temperature area, so that superior hot offset resistance isachieved in use as a toner.

The loss elastic modulus (G″) of the polyester resin (P1) or (P2) can beincreased by a method of increasing the molecular weight thereof.

The storage elastic modulus (G′) of the polyester resin (P2) can beincreased by increasing the Tm of the (P2), increasing the proportion ofa tri- or higher valent constituent to increase the number ofcrosslinking sites, increasing the molecular weight, and/or increasingthe Tg.

In the present invention, the storage elastic modulus (G′) and the losselastic modulus (G″) are measured under the following conditions byusing the following viscoelasticity measurement apparatus.

Apparatus: ARES-24A (manufactured by Rheometric Scientific)

Jig: 25-mmφ parallel plate

Frequency: 1 Hz

Strain factor: 5%

Temperature elevation rate: 5° C./min.

The toner binder of the present invention may contain an additionalresin other than the polyester resin (P) unless the effect of thepresent invention is impaired. Examples of the additional resin includevinyl resins [copolymers of styrene and alkyl (meth)acrylate, copolymersof styrene and a diene monomer, and the like], epoxy resins (ringopening polymerization products of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, and thelike), and urethane resins [polyaddition products of the above-mentionedalcohol component (y) and a diisocyanate, and the like].

The Mp of the additional resin is preferably 300 to 100000.

The mixability of the (P1) and the (P2) in the polyester resin (P) canbe evaluated by observation at a magnification of ×100 or more(preferably ×100 to ×5000) with a phase contrast microscope and adigital microscope (a high resolution optical microscope). Since thetoner particle diameter is usually about 5 to about 10 μm, in the casewhere the (P1) and the (P2) form a sea-island structure, the mixabilityis judged good if the dispersion particle diameter of the island phaseis 5 μm or less. The dispersion particle diameter is more preferably 4μm or less and particularly preferably 0.1 to 3 μm. If the dispersionparticle diameter is 5 μm or less, the low-temperature fixing propertyand the hot offset resistance are good.

Hereinbefore and hereinafter, the mixability is measured and evaluatedby using a phase contrast microscope (an inverted research microscope)IX71 manufactured by OLYMPUS and/or a digital microscope (highresolution zoom lens VH-Z500R/Z 500W) manufactured by KEYENCECorporation.

The toner binder of the present invention can be processed into a tonerof the present invention by adding a coloring agent and, as necessary,one or more additives such as a release agent, a charge controllingagent, a magnetic powder, and a fluidizer.

Any dyes, pigments, and the like used as coloring agents for toners maybe used as the colorant. Specific examples thereof include carbon black,iron black, Sudan black SM, Fast Yellow G, Benzidine Yellow, PigmentYellow, Indo Fast Orange, Irgazin Red, Paranitroaniline Red, ToluidineRed, Carmine FB, Pigment Orange R, Lake Red 2G, Rhodamine FB, RhodamineB Lake, Methylviolet B Lake, Phthalocyanine Blue, Pigment Blue,Brilliant Green, Phthalocyanine Green, Oil Yellow GG, Kayaset YG, OrasolBrown B, and Oil Pink OP, and these may be used singly or two or more ofthem may be used as a mixture.

As necessary, magnetic powders (powders of ferromagnetic metals such asiron, cobalt and nickel, or such compounds as magnetite, hematite, andferrite) may be added for also serving as a colorant.

Preferred as the release agent are those having a softening point [Tm]of 50 to 170° C., examples of which include polyolefin waxes, naturalwaxes, aliphatic alcohols having 30 to 50 carbon atoms, fatty acidshaving 30 to 50 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof. Examples of thepolyolefin wax includes (co)polymers of olefins (e.g., ethylene,propylene, 1-butene, isobutylene, 1-hexene, 1-dodecene, 1-octadecene,and mixtures thereof) [including those obtained by (co)polymerizationand thermo-degradation type polyolefins], oxides with oxygen and/orozone of (co)polymers of olefins, maleic acid-modified ones of(co)polymers of olefins [e.g., ones modified with maleic acid andderivatives thereof (maleic anhydride, monomethyl maleate, monobutylmaleate, dimethyl maleate, and the like)], copolymers of olefins andunsaturated carboxylic acids [(meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleicanhydride, and the like] and/or unsaturated carboxylic acid alkyl esters[(meth)acrylic acid alkyl (alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms)esters, maleic acid alkyl (alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms)esters, and the like], and Fischer-Tropsch wax.

Examples of the natural waxes include carnauba wax, montan wax, paraffinwax, and rice wax. Examples of the aliphatic alcohols having 30 to 50carbon atoms include triacontanol. Examples of the fatty acids having 30to 50 carbon atoms include triacontanoic acid.

Examples of the charge controlling agent include nigrosine dyes,triphenylmethane dyes containing a tertiary amine as a side chain,quaternary ammonium salts, polyamine resins, imidazole derivatives,quaternary ammonium salt group-containing polymers, metal-containing azodyes, copper phthalocyanine dyes, salicylic acid metal salts, boroncomplexes of benzilic acid, sulfonic acid group-containing polymers,fluorine-containing polymers, and halogen-substituted aromaticring-containing polymers.

Examples of the fluidizer include colloidal silica, alumina powder,titanium oxide powder and calcium carbonate powder.

In the composition ratio of the toner of the present invention, based onthe toner weight, the toner binder of the present invention ispreferably in a range from 30 to 97%, more preferably from 40 to 95%,and particularly preferably from 45 to 92%; the colorant is preferablyin a range from 0.05 to 60%, more preferably from 0.1 to 55%, andparticularly preferably from 0.5 to 50%; among additives, the releaseagent is preferably in a range from 0 to 30%, more preferably from 0.5to 20%, and particularly preferably from 1 to 10%; the chargecontrolling agent is preferably in a range from 0 to 20%, morepreferably from 0.1 to 10%, and particularly preferably from 0.5 to7.5%; the fluidizer is preferably in a range from 0 to 10%, morepreferably from 0 to 5%, and particularly preferably from 0.1 to 4%. Thetotal content of the additives is preferably 3 to 70%, more preferably 4to 58%, particularly preferably 5 to 50%. With the composition ratio ofthe toner falling within the above range, those having goodchargeability can be readily obtained.

The toner may be obtained by any conventionally known method such as akneading pulverization method, a phase-change emulsion method, and apolymerization method. For example, in the case where a toner isobtained by using a kneading pulverization method, components other thana fluidizer that constitute the toner are dry-blended, thenmelt-kneaded, then coarsely pulverized, finally formed into fineparticles by using a jet mill pulverizer or the like, further classifiedto form fine particles preferably having a particle diameter (D50)within the range of from 5 to 20 μm, and mixed with a fluidizer, so thatthe toner can be produced. The average particle diameter (D50) (whenparticles whose particle diameters are larger than a certain particlediameter account for 50% in number of all particles in the volumeparticle diameter distribution of a powder, the certain particlediameter is defined as D50) is measured by using a Coulter counter[e.g., commercial name: Multisizer III (manufactured by Coulter)].

In the case where a toner is obtained by using a phase-change emulsionmethod, components other than a fluidizer that constitute the toner aredissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent, emulsified by, forexample, adding water thereto, and separated and then classified, sothat the toner can be produced. The volume average particle diameter ofthe toner is preferably 3 to 15 μm.

The toner of the present invention using the toner binder of the presentinvention is, as necessary, mixed with carrier particles such as ironpowders, glass beads, nickel powders, ferrite, magnetite, and ferritewith the surface thereof being coated with a resin (an acrylic resin, asilicone resin, and the like), and then used as a developer for anelectrostatic latent image. The weight ratio of the toner to the carrierparticle is preferably 1/99 to 100/0. It is also possible to form anelectric latent image by friction with such a member as a charged bladeinstead of the carrier particles.

The toner of the present invention is fabricated into a recordingmaterial by being fixed on a supporting material (paper, polyester film,and the like) by a copier, a printer, or the like. The method for fixingit onto a supporting material may include known methods such as a heatroll fixing method and a flash fixing method.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is further described below with reference toExamples, but the invention is not limited thereto. In the following,parts are by weight.

Production Example 1 Production of 90% Pure Adduct of Bisphenol a with 2EO Molecules

A reaction tank equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogen introduction tubewas charged with 500 parts of an adduct of bisphenol A with EO (NEWPOLBPE-20 produced by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.; the purity of theadduct with 2 EO molecules: about 81%) and then the temperature wasraised to 120° C. The adduct was dissolved at 120° C., and then thesolution was cooled to 100° C. Thereto was charged 500 parts of ionexchange water at 100° C., followed by stirring at 100° C. for 1 hour,and then the upper aqueous phase was drawn off. This was repeated threetimes, and then water was removed at 130° C. under a reduced pressure of0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 4 hours, affording a 90% pure adduct of bisphenol Awith 2 EO molecules containing an adduct of bisphenol A with one EOmolecule in an amount of 1.2%.

Production Example 2 Production of 95% Pure Adduct of Bisphenol a with 2EO Molecules

A pressurized reaction tank equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogenintroduction tube was charged with 277 parts of bisphenol A, 138.5 partsof ion exchange water and 2 parts of triethylamine, followed by flushingwith nitrogen twice. Then, the temperature was raised to 130° C. and 123parts of EO was dropped over 2 hours under a pressure of 0.3 MPa. Then,the mixture was allowed to react for 2 hours and then taken out.Subsequently, water was removed under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5kPa at 130° C. for 4 hours, affording a 95% pure adduct of bisphenol Awith 2 EO molecules containing an adduct of bisphenol A with one EOmolecule in an amount of 0.5%.

Production Example 3 Production of Adduct of Bisphenol a with 3 EOMolecules

A pressurized reaction tank equipped with a stirrer and a nitrogenintroduction tube was charged with 277 parts of bisphenol A, 138.5 partsof ion exchange water and 2 parts of triethylamine, followed by flushingwith nitrogen twice. Then, the temperature was raised to 130° C. and 176parts of EO was dropped over 2 hours under a pressure of 0.3 MPa. Then,the mixture was allowed to react for 2 hours and then taken out.Subsequently, water was removed under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5kPa at 130° C. for 4 hours, affording an adduct of bisphenol A with 3 EOmolecules containing an adduct of bisphenol A with one EO molecule in anamount of 0.1%, an adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules in anamount of 18%, an adduct of bisphenol A with 3 EO molecules in an amountof 69%, and an adduct of bisphenol A with 4 EO molecules in an amount of13%.

Production Example 4 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-1]

Into a reaction tank equipped with a condenser, a stirrer and a nitrogenintroduction tube (the reaction tanks used in the following ProductionExamples also are of the same configuration) were loaded 305 parts (81.2molar %) of terephthalic acid, 41 parts (14.8 molar %) of benzoic acid,706 parts (100.0 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2EO molecules obtained in Production Example 2, and 2 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPauntil an acid value of 2 or less was achieved.

Subsequently, 17 parts (3.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was addedat 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, andthen the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin was cooled to roomtemperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is named linearpolyester resin [P1(A)-1].

[P1(A)-1] had an Mp of 6200, an Mn of 2300, a Tg of 61° C., a Tm of 100°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 17, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.4, an HLB value of 4.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 45 molar%.

Molar % within parentheses means the molar % of each raw material in acarboxylic acid component or in an alcohol component. The same isapplied hereinafter.

Production Example 5 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-2]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 316 parts (85.7 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 28 parts (10.3 molar %) of benzoic acid, 709 parts(100.0 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EOmolecules obtained in Production Example 2, and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPauntil an acid value of 2 or less was achieved.

Subsequently, 17 parts (4.0 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was addedat 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, andthen the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin was cooled to roomtemperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is named linearpolyester resin [P1(A)-2].

[P1(A)-2] had an Mp of 7800, an Mn of 2700, a Tg of 64° C., a Tm of 105°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 15, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.5, an HLB value of 4.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 36 molar%.

Production Example 6 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-3]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 303 parts (81.0 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 31 parts (11.1 molar %) of benzoic acid, 700 parts(100.0 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EOmolecules obtained in Production Example 2, and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPauntil an acid value of 2 or less was achieved.

Subsequently, 34 parts (7.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was addedat 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, andthen the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin was cooled to roomtemperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is named linearpolyester resin [P1(A)-3].

[P1(A)-3] had an Mp of 6400, an Mn of 2400, a Tg of 64° C., a Tm of 105°C., an acid value of 20, a hydroxyl value of 15, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.5, an HLB value of 4.5, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 34 molar%.

Production Example 7 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-4]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 285 parts (58.1 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 122 parts (24.9 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 51parts (14.0 molar %) of benzoic acid, 547 parts (60.0 molar %) of the90% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules obtained inProduction Example 1, 198 parts (40.0 molar % with exclusion of 126parts of the recovery mentioned below) of ethylene glycol, and 2.5 partsof titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerizationcatalyst, and these were allowed to react with one another at 210° C.under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generated water beingdistilled off, and then further allowed to react under a reducedpressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 1 hour. Subsequently, 17 parts (3.0 molar%) of trimellitic anhydride was added at 180° C. and allowed to reactunder normal pressure for 1 hour, and then the resultant was taken out.The amount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 262 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named linear polyester resin [P1(A)-4].

[P1(A)-4] had an Mp of 5600, an Mn of 2300, a Tg of 62° C., a Tm of 104°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 13, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.7, an HLB value of 4.9, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 52 molar%.

Production Example 8 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-5]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 153 parts (40.6 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 153 parts (40.6 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 41parts (14.9 molar %) of benzoic acid, 706 parts (100.0 molar %) of the90% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules obtained inProduction Example 1, and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 17 parts (3.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydridewas added at 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1hour, and then the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin wascooled to room temperature, and then pulverized into particles. This isnamed linear polyester resin [P1(A)-5].

[P1(A)-5] had an Mp of 6200, an Mn of 2300, a Tg of 59° C., a Tm of 99°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 16, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.4, an HLB value of 4.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 45 molar%.

Production Example 9 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-6]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 245 parts (65.8 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 55 parts (16.4 molar %) of phthalic anhydride, 39parts (9.9 molar %) of p-tert-butyl benzoate, 697 parts (100.0 molar %)of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO molecules obtained inProduction Example 2, and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 34 parts (7.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydridewas added at 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1hour, and then the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin wascooled to room temperature, and then pulverized into particles. This isnamed linear polyester resin [P1(A)-6].

[P1(A)-6] had an Mp of 7600, an Mn of 2600, a Tg of 62° C., a Tm of 101°C., an acid value of 20, a hydroxyl value of 14, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.4, an HLB value of 4.4, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 36 molar%.

Production Example 10 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-7]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 400 parts (87.2 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 32 parts (9.6 molar %) of benzoic acid, 558 parts(62.0 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO moleculesobtained in Production Example 2, 232 parts (38.0 molar % with exclusionof 150 parts of the recovery mentioned below) of 1,2-propylene glycol,and 2.5 parts of titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as apolymerization catalyst, and these were allowed to react with oneanother at 210° C. under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generatedwater being distilled off, and then further allowed to react under areduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 1 hour. Subsequently, 17 parts(2.7 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added at 180° C. and allowedto react under normal pressure for 1 hour, and then the resultant wastaken out. The amount of the recovered 1,2-propylene glycol was 150parts. The resulting resin was cooled to room temperature, and thenpulverized into particles. This is named linear polyester resin[P1(A)-7].

[P1(A)-7] had an Mp of 5000, an Mn of 2200, a Tg of 62° C., a Tm of 106°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 28, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.6, an HLB value of 4.9, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 33 molar%.

Production Example 11 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-8]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 298 parts (85.1 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 28 parts (10.7 molar %) of benzoic acid, 345 parts(50.0 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO moleculesobtained in Production Example 2, 378 parts (50.0 molar %) of an adductof bisphenol A with 2 propylene oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as PO)molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.),and 2.5 parts of titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as apolymerization catalyst, and these were allowed to react with oneanother at 210° C. under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generatedwater being distilled off, and then further allowed to react under areduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa until an acid value of 2 or less wasachieved.

Subsequently, 17 parts (4.2 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was addedat 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, andthen the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin was cooled to roomtemperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is named linearpolyester resin [P1(A)-8].

[P1(A)-8] had an Mp of 6900, an Mn of 2500, a Tg of 64° C., a Tm of 105°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 23, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.3, an HLB value of 4.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 31 molar%.

Production Example 12 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-9]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 211 parts (63.7 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 90 parts (27.3 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 679parts (92.2 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EOmolecules obtained in Production Example 2, 49 parts (7.8 molar %) ofstearyl alcohol, and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPauntil an acid value of 2 or less was achieved.

Subsequently, 34 parts (8.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was addedat 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, andthen the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin was cooled to roomtemperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is named linearpolyester resin [P1(A)-9].

[P1(A)-9] had an Mp of 6200, an Mn of 2300, a Tg of 60° C., a Tm of 101°C., an acid value of 20, a hydroxyl value of 30, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.4, an HLB value of 4.6, and an esterificationratio of terminal carboxyl groups with a monool of 13 molar %.

Production Example 13 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-10]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 298 parts (81.2 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 40 parts (14.8 molar %) of benzoic acid, 713 parts(100 molar %) of an adduct of bisphenol A with EO (NEWPOL BPE-20produced by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.; the purity of an adductwith 2 EO molecules: about 81%), and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 17 parts (4.0 molar %) of trimellitic anhydridewas added at 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1hour, and then the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin wascooled to room temperature, and then pulverized into particles. This isnamed linear polyester resin [P1(A)-10].

[P1(A)-10] had an Mp of 6300, an Mn of 2400, a Tg of 56° C., a Tm of 96°C., an acid value of 10, a hydroxyl value of 20, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 11.5, an HLB value of 4.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 42 molar%.

Production Example 14 Synthesis of Linear Polyester Resin [P1(A)-11]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 286 parts (84.0 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 24 parts (9.5 molar %) of benzoic acid, 447 parts (60molar %) of the adduct of bisphenol A with 3 EO molecules obtained inProduction Example 3, 282 parts (40.0 molar %) of an adduct of bisphenolA with 2 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced by Sanyo ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.), and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 26 parts (6.5 molar %) of trimellitic anhydridewas added at 180° C. and allowed to react under normal pressure for 1hour, and then the resultant was taken out. The resulting resin wascooled to room temperature, and then pulverized into particles. This isnamed linear polyester resin [P1(A)-11].

[P1(A)-11] had an Mp of 8000, an Mn of 3100, a Tg of 62° C., a Tm of108° C., an acid value of 15, a hydroxyl value of 18, a THF-insolublecontent of 1%, an SP value of 11.2, an HLB value of 4.4, and anesterification ratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylicacid of 36 molar %.

Production Example 15 Synthesis of Nonlinear Polyester Resin [P2(B)-1]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 567 parts (68.8 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 243 parts (29.5 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 557parts (85.0 molar % with exclusion of 287 parts of the recoverymentioned below) of ethylene glycol, 80 parts (15.0 molar %) ofneopentyl glycol, and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 16 parts (1.7 molar %) of trimellitic anhydridewas added, and after being allowed to react under normal pressure for 1hour, the mixture was further allowed to react under a reduced pressureof 2.5 to 5 kPa, and then the resultant was taken out at a softeningpoint of 143° C. The amount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 287parts. The resulting resin was cooled to room temperature, and thenpulverized into particles. This is named nonlinear polyester resin[P2(B)-1].

[P2(B)-1] had an Mp of 17500, an Mn of 5400, a Tg of 64° C., a Tm of143° C., an acid value of 1, a hydroxyl value of 14, a THF-insolublecontent of 3%, an SP value of 12.3, and an HLB value of 6.8.

Production Example 16 Synthesis of Nonlinear Polyester Resin [P2(B)-2]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 368 parts (51.7 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 158 parts (22.1 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 355parts (85.0 molar % with exclusion of 137 parts of the recoverymentioned below) of ethylene glycol, 215 parts (15.0 molar %) of anadduct of bisphenol A with 2 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced bySanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 0.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 70 parts (13.3 molar %) of benzoic acid was addedand then allowed to react under normal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover,107 parts (12.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added, and afterbeing allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture wasfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, andthen the resultant was taken out at a softening point of 155° C. Theamount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 137 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named nonlinear polyester resin [P2(B)-2].

[P2(B)-2] had an Mp of 4800, an Mn of 1700, a Tg of 63° C., a Tm of 155°C., an acid value of 20, a hydroxyl value of 1, a THF-insoluble contentof 25%, an SP value of 12.0, an HLB value of 6.2, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 26 molar%.

Production Example 17 Synthesis of Nonlinear Polyester Resin [P2(B)-3]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 377 parts (51.1 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 162 parts (21.9 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 199parts (15.0 molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EOmolecules obtained in Production Example 2, 367 parts (85.0 molar % withexclusion of 147 parts of the recovery mentioned below) of ethyleneglycol, and 1 part of titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as apolymerization catalyst, and these were allowed to react with oneanother at 210° C. under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generatedwater being distilled off, and then further allowed to react under areduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 1 hour. Subsequently, 74 parts(13.7 molar %) of benzoic acid was added and then allowed to react undernormal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover, 114 parts (13.3 molar %) oftrimellitic anhydride was added, and after being allowed to react undernormal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture was further allowed to reactunder a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, and then the resultant wastaken out at a softening point of 158° C. The amount of the recoveredethylene glycol was 147 parts. The resulting resin was cooled to roomtemperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is named nonlinearpolyester resin [P2(B)-3].

[P2(B)-3] had an Mp of 5000, an Mn of 2000, a Tg of 61° C., a Tm of 158°C., an acid value of 24, a hydroxyl value of 2, a THF-insoluble contentof 28%, an SP value of 12.1, an HLB value of 6.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 33 molar%.

Production Example 18 Synthesis of Nonlinear Polyester Resin [P2(B)-4]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 229 parts (42.3 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 223 parts (42.3 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 265parts (65.0 molar % with exclusion of 122 parts of the recoverymentioned below) of ethylene glycol, 431 parts (35.0 molar %) of anadduct of bisphenol A with 2 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced bySanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 2.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 30 parts (7.6 molar %) of benzoic acid was addedand then allowed to react under normal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover,49 parts (8.0 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added, and afterbeing allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture wasfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, andthen the resultant was taken out at a softening point of 135° C. Theamount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 122 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named nonlinear polyester resin [P2(B)-4].

[P2(B)-4] had an Mp of 7500, an Mn of 3100, a Tg of 63° C., a Tm of 135°C., an acid value of 1, a hydroxyl value of 31, a THF-insoluble contentof 3%, an SP value of 11.7, an HLB value of 5.4, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 48 molar%.

Production Example 19 Synthesis of Nonlinear Polyester Resin [P2(B)-5]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 519 parts (74.0 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 12 parts (1.9 molar %) of adipic acid, 143 parts (10molar %) of the 95% pure adduct of bisphenol A with 2 EO moleculesobtained in Production Example 2, 465 parts (90 molar % with exclusionof 158 parts of the recovery mentioned below) of 1,2-propylene glycol,and 2.5 parts of titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as apolymerization catalyst, and these were allowed to react with oneanother at 210° C. under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generatedwater being distilled off, and then further allowed to react under areduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 1 hour. Subsequently, 75 parts(14.5 molar %) of benzoic acid was added and then allowed to react undernormal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover, 78 parts (9.6 molar %) oftrimellitic anhydride was added, and after being allowed to react undernormal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture was further allowed to reactunder a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, and then the resultant wastaken out at a softening point of 150° C. The amount of the recovered1,2-propylene glycol was 158 parts. The resulting resin was cooled toroom temperature, and then pulverized into particles. This is namednonlinear polyester resin [P2(B)-5].

[P2(B)-5] had an Mp of 5900, an Mn of 3000, a Tg of 66° C., a Tm of 150°C., an acid value of 15, a hydroxyl value of 7, a THF-insoluble contentof 21%, an SP value of 12.0, an HLB value of 6.9, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 18 molar%.

Production Example 20 Synthesis of Nonlinear Polyester Resin [P2(B)-6]

Into a reaction tank were loaded 293 parts (48.0 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 126 parts (20.6 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 250parts (70.0 molar % with exclusion of 98 parts of the recovery mentionedbelow) of ethylene glycol, 367 parts (30.0 molar %) of an adduct ofbisphenol A with 2 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced by Sanyo ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.), and 0.5 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 77 parts (17.1 molar %) of benzoic acid was addedand then allowed to react under normal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover,101 parts (14.4 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added, and afterbeing allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture wasfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, andthen the resultant was taken out at a softening point of 155° C. Theamount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 98 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named nonlinear polyester resin [P2(B)-6].

[P2(B)-6] had an Mp of 5200, an Mn of 2500, a Tg of 62° C., a Tm of 155°C., an acid value of 17, a hydroxyl value of 18, a THF-insoluble contentof 25%, an SP value of 11.7, an HLB value of 5.7, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 49 molar%.

Comparative Production Example 1 Synthesis of Comparative LinearPolyester Resin (RP1-1) (with Composition Similar to P1)

Into a reaction tank were loaded 364 parts (53.4 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 243 parts (35.6 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 33parts (6.6 molar %) of benzoic acid, 453 parts (80 molar % withexclusion of 255 parts of the recovery mentioned below) of ethyleneglycol, 262 parts (20 molar %) of an adduct of bisphenol A with EO(NEWPOL BPE-20 produced by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 2.5parts of titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerizationcatalyst, and these were allowed to react with one another at 210° C.under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generated water beingdistilled off, and then further allowed to react under a reducedpressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 1 hour. Subsequently, 34 parts (4.3 molar%) of trimellitic anhydride was added at 180° C. and allowed to reactunder normal pressure for 1 hour, and then the resultant was taken out.The amount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 255 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named linear polyester resin (RP1-1).

(RP1-1) had an Mp of 7200, an Mn of 2600, a Tg of 58° C., a Tm of 106°C., an acid value of 20, a hydroxyl value of 14, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 12.1, an HLB value of 6.2, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 41 molar%.

Comparative Production Example 2 Synthesis of Comparative LinearPolyester Resin (RP1-2) (with Composition Similar to P1)

Into a reaction tank were loaded 210 parts (65.3 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 61 parts (21.7 molar %) of adipic acid, 14 parts (6.1molar %) of benzoic acid, 260 parts (38.0 molar %) of an adduct ofbisphenol A with 2 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced by Sanyo ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.), 489 parts (62.0 molar %) of an adduct of bisphenol Awith 3 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-3P produced by Sanyo Chemical Industries,Ltd.), and 2.5 parts of titanium diisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as apolymerization catalyst, and these were allowed to react with oneanother at 210° C. under a nitrogen gas flow for 5 hours while generatedwater being distilled off, and then further allowed to react under areduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for 1 hour. Subsequently, 26 parts(6.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added at 180° C. and allowedto react under normal pressure for 1 hour, and then the resultant wastaken out. The resulting resin was cooled to room temperature, and thenpulverized into particles. This is named linear polyester resin (RP1-2).

(RP1-2) had an Mp of 7400, an Mn of 3500, a Tg of 59° C., a Tm of 100°C., an acid value of 15, a hydroxyl value of 18, a THF-insoluble contentof 1%, an SP value of 10.8, an HLB value of 4.3, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 22 molar%.

Comparative Production Example 3 Synthesis of Comparative NonlinearPolyester Resin (RP2-1) (with Composition Similar to P2)

Into a reaction tank were loaded 411 parts (48.1 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 274 parts (32.0 molar %) of isophthalic acid, 512parts (100.0 molar %) of ethylene glycol, and 3 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 50 parts (8.0 molar %) of benzoic acid was addedand then allowed to react under normal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover,117 parts (11.9 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added, and afterbeing allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture wasfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, andthen the resultant was taken out at a softening point of 155° C. Theamount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 197 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named nonlinear polyester resin (RP2-1).

(RP2-1) had an Mp of 5000, an Mn of 1900, a Tg of 58° C., a Tm of 155°C., an acid value of 27, a hydroxyl value of 7, a THF-insoluble contentof 29%, an SP value of 12.6, an HLB value of 7.4, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 22 molar%.

Comparative Production Example 4 Synthesis of Comparative NonlinearPolyester Resin (RP2-2) (with Composition Similar to P2)

Into a reaction tank were loaded 234 parts (52.2 molar %) ofterephthalic acid, 137 parts (34.7 molar %) of adipic acid, 186 parts(40.0 molar % with exclusion of 115 parts of the recovery mentionedbelow) of ethylene glycol, 593 parts (60.0 molar %) of an adduct ofbisphenol A with 2 PO molecules (NEWPOL BP-2P produced by Sanyo ChemicalIndustries, Ltd.), and 3 parts of titaniumdiisopropoxybistriethanolaminate as a polymerization catalyst, and thesewere allowed to react with one another at 210° C. under a nitrogen gasflow for 5 hours while generated water being distilled off, and thenfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 0.5 to 2.5 kPa for1 hour. Subsequently, 20 parts (6.1 molar %) of benzoic acid was addedand then allowed to react under normal pressure for 3 hours. Moreover,36 parts (7.0 molar %) of trimellitic anhydride was added, and afterbeing allowed to react under normal pressure for 1 hour, the mixture wasfurther allowed to react under a reduced pressure of 2.5 to 5 kPa, andthen the resultant was taken out at a softening point of 147° C. Theamount of the recovered ethylene glycol was 115 parts. The resultingresin was cooled to room temperature, and then pulverized intoparticles. This is named nonlinear polyester resin (RP2-2).

(RP2-2) had an Mp of 5800, an Mn of 2300, a Tg of 60° C., a Tm of 147°C., an acid value of 12, a hydroxyl value of 35, a THF-insoluble contentof 13%, an SP value of 11.2, an HLB value of 4.9, and an esterificationratio of terminal hydroxyl groups with a monocarboxylic acid of 17 molar%.

In Table 1 are summarized main analysis values of the polyester resins[P1(A)-1] to [P1(A)-11], [P2(B)-1] to [P2(B)-6] obtained in ProductionExamples 4 to 20 and the polyester resins (RP1-1), (RP1-2), (RP2-1), and(RP2-2) obtained in Comparative Production Examples 1 to 4.

TABLE 1 Polyester SP HLB resin Mp Mn Tg Tm AV OHV value value G″120G′180 Production  4 P1(A)-1 6,200 2,300 61 100 10 17 11.4 4.3 1.8 × 10⁴— Example  5 P1(A)-2 7,800 2,700 64 105 10 15 11.5 4.3 2.7 × 10⁴ —  6P1(A)-3 6,400 2,400 64 105 20 15 11.5 4.5 2.3 × 10⁴ —  7 P1(A)-4 5,6002,300 62 104 10 13 11.7 4.9 2.8 × 10⁴ —  8 P1(A)-5 6,200 2,300 59  99 1016 11.4 4.3 2.2 × 10⁴ —  9 P1(A)-6 7,600 2,600 62 101 20 14 11.4 4.4 2.6× 10⁴ — 10 P1(A)-7 5,000 2,200 62 106 10 28 11.6 4.9 1.8 × 10⁴ — 11P1(A)-8 6,900 2,500 64 105 10 23 11.3 4.3 2.1 × 10⁴ — 12 P1(A)-9 6,2002,300 60 101 20 30 11.4 4.6 1.9 × 10⁴ — 13 P1(A)-10 6,300 2,400 56  9610 20 11.5 4.3 1.7 × 10⁴ — 14 P1(A)-11 8,000 3,100 62 108 15 18 11.2 4.42.3 × 10⁴ — 15 P2(B)-1 17,500 5,400 64 143 1 14 12.3 6.8 1.2 × 10⁶ 1.2 ×10⁴ 16 P2(B)-2 4,800 1,700 63 155 20 1 12.0 6.2 2.7 × 10⁵ 2.1 × 10⁴ 17P2(B)-3 5,000 2,000 61 158 24 2 12.1 6.3 2.6 × 10⁵ 2.2 × 10⁴ 18 P2(B)-47,500 3,100 63 135 1 31 11.7 5.4 3.1 × 10⁵ 5.8 × 10³ 19 P2(B)-5 5,9003,000 66 150 15 7 12.0 6.9 3.5 × 10⁵ 7.0 × 10³ 20 P2(B)-6 5,200 2,500 62155 17 18 11.7 5.7 2.2 × 10⁵ 1.6 × 10⁴ Comparative  1 RP1-1 7,200 2,60058 106 20 14 12.1 6.2 2.8 × 10⁴ — Production  2 RP1-2 7,400 3,500 59 10015 18 10.8 4.3 2.5 × 10⁴ — Example  3 RP2-1 5,000 1,900 58 155 27 7 12.67.4 3.0 × 10⁵ 3.1 × 10⁴  4 RP2-2 5,800 2,300 60 147 12 35 11.2 4.9 2.3 ×10⁵ 2.8 × 10³

Examples 1 to 16, Comparative Examples 1 to 5

The linear polyester resin [P1(A)], the nonlinear polyester resin[P2(B)], the comparative linear polyester resin (RP1), and thecomparative nonlinear polyester resin (RP2) obtained in ProductionExamples 4 to 20 and Comparative Production Examples 1 to 4 were loadedin the proportions given in Table 2 into a plastomill and stirred at140° C. for 10 minutes, thereby being melted and mixed. Thus, tonerbinders (TB-1) to (TB-16) of the present invention made of a polyesterresin (P) and comparative toner binders (TB′-1) to (TB′-5) wereobtained. To 100 parts of each toner binder were added 8 parts ofCyanine Blue KRO (produced by Sanyo Color Works, Ltd.) and 5 parts ofcarnauba wax. Toner preparation was carried out by the following method.

First, the resultant was preliminarily mixed using a Henschel mixer[FM10B manufactured by Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd.], and thenkneaded by a twin screw kneader [PCM-30 manufactured by IkegaiCorporation]. Subsequently, after being finely pulverized using asupersonic jet pulverizer Labo Jet [manufactured by Nippon PneumaticMfg. Co., Ltd.], the resulting particles were classified by an airflowclassifier [MDS-I, manufactured by Nippon Pneumatic Mfg. Co., Ltd.], sothat toner particles having a median diameter (D50) by volume of 8 μmwere obtained. Subsequently, 0.5 parts of colloidal silica (AerosilR972; produced by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) was added to 100 parts ofthe toner particles and mixed in a sample mill, so that toners (T-1) to(T-16) of the present invention and comparative toners (T′-1) to (T′-5)were obtained.

Physical property values of the polyester resins (P) and the resultsevaluated using the evaluation methods described below are shown inTable 2.

TABLE 2 Mixability Physical property of Fixing Saturated Dispersionpolyester resin (P) property electri- Rise of Electrifi- particle Tonerbinder SP HLB (P2) [G″120] MFT, HOT, Blocking fication electrifi- cationdiameter Toner No. A B value value (P1) [G″120] ° C. ° C. resistanceamount cation stability (μm) Exam-  1 T-1 TB-1 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.9 5.6 67125 225 ⊙ ◯ ◯ ⊙ 1.6 ple 150 150  2 T-2 TB-2 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.7 5.3 15115 225 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.8 150 250  3 T-3 TB-3 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.9 5.8 15 120230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.6 120 280  4 T-4 TB-4 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.6 5.3 12 125 230 ⊙⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 1.0 130 670  5 T-5 TB-5 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.9 5.6 10 130 230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙0.8 230 270  6 T-6 TB-6 P1(A)- P2(B)- 12.0 5.9 10 125 230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 1.4220 380  7 T-7 TB-7 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.9 5.7 12 120 230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.8 330270  8 T-8 TB-8 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.7 5.2 11 120 220 ◯ ◯ ◯ ⊙ 0.6 450 450  9T-9 TB-9 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.8 5.5 10 115 215 ◯ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 1.3 540 360 10 T-10TB-10 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.9 5.8 10 125 230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.9 620 280 11 T-11TB-11 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.8 5.7 19 115 220 ◯ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.6 760 540 12 T-12TB-12 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.9 6.5 19 125 230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.7 720 580 13 T-13TB-13 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.6 5.3 10 120 230 ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 0.7 830 670 14 T-14TB-14 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.8 5.5 14 130 220 ◯ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ 1.1 950 350 15 T-15TB-15 P1(A)- P2(B)- 12.0 5.9 15 130 225 ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ 1.2 1020 380 16 T-16TB-16 P1(A)- P2(B)- 11.7 5.5 12 130 220 ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ 1.4 1140 260 Com- 1 T′-1TB′-1 RP1- P2(B)- 12.2 6.5 43 140 215 X X Δ X 2.4 para- 150 150 tive 2T′-2 TB′-2 RP1- P2(B)- 11.4 5.3 11 140 195 X Δ Δ X 10~ Exam- 250 250 ple3 T′-3 TB′-3 P1(A)- RP2- 12.3 6.5 13 135 200 X X Δ X 10~ 330 170 4 T′-4TB′-4 P1(A)- RP2- 11.0 4.3 13 130 180 ◯ Δ Δ Δ 0.9 130 270 5 T′-5 TB′-5P1(A)- RP2- 12.5 7.2 17 145 180 X X X X 10~ 710 190

[Evaluation Methods] [1] Minimum Fixing Temperature (MFT)

Using the above-mentioned toners, unfixed images developed using acommercial copier (AR5030: manufactured by Sharp Corp.) were evaluatedby using a fixing device of the commercial copier (AR5030: manufacturedby Sharp Corp.). The fixing roll temperature at which the residual ratioof the image density measured using a Macbeth reflective concentrationmeter RD-191 (manufactured by Macbeth) after rubbing a fixed image witha pad was 70% or more was determined as the minimum fixing temperature.

[2] Hot Offset Occurrence Temperature (HOT)

Fixation was evaluated in the same manner as in the MFT described above,and the presence or absence of hot offset on a fixed image was visuallyevaluated. The fixing roll temperature at which hot offset occurred wasdetermined as the hot offset occurrence temperature.

As to the minimum fixing temperature (MFT) and the hot offset occurrencetemperature (HOT), it is important that the fixing temperature range(the difference between HOT and MFT) is wide.

[3] Storage Stability (Blocking Resistance)

Toners were each placed in a polyethylene bottle, held in a constanttemperature water bath at 45° C. for 8 hours, then transferred to a42-mesh sieve, and then vibrated using a powder tester manufactured byHosokawa Micron Group at a vibration intensity of 5 for 10 seconds.Subsequently, the amount in % by weight of the toner remaining on thesieve was measured and judged according to the criteria given below, andstorage stability was evaluated.

Amount of residual toner in % by weight

⊙: less than 15%

◯: 15% or more but less than 25%

Δ: 25% or more but less than 30%

x: 30% or more

[4] Mixability Evaluation

Evaluation was carried out by the method described above.

[Saturated Electrification Amount, Rise of Electrification,Electrification Stability]

A 50-ml glass bottle was charged with 0.5 g of a toner binder and 20 gof a ferrite carrier (F-150 produced by Powdertech Co., Ltd.), whichwere then moisture conditioned at 23° C. and 50% R.H. for 8 hours ormore and then frictionally stirred in a Turbula shaker mixer at 50 rpmfor 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 60 minutes, and the electrification amount wasmeasured at every time. A blow off charge amount measuring device[manufactured by KYOCERA Chemical Corporation] was used for themeasurement. The electrification amount achieved at a friction time of10 minutes was taken as a saturated electrification amount. An(electrification amount at a friction time of 1 minute)/(electrificationamount at a friction time of 10 minutes) ratio was calculated and takenas rise of electrification. Moreover, an (electrification amount at afriction time of 60 minutes)/(electrification amount at a friction timeof 10 minutes) ratio was calculated and taken as electrificationstability.

[5] Criteria for Saturated Electrification Amount Evaluation

⊙: The absolute value of the saturated electrification amount is 25 μC/gor more.

◯: The absolute value of the saturated electrification amount is 20 μC/gor more but less than 25 μC/g.

Δ: The absolute value of the saturated electrification amount is 15 μC/gor more but less than 20 μC/g.

x: The absolute value of the saturated electrification amount is lessthan 15 μC/g.

[6] Criteria for Evaluation of Rise of Electrification

⊙: 0.7 or more

◯: 0.6 or more but less than 0.7

Δ: 0.5 or more but less than 0.6

x: less than 0.5

[7] Criteria for Electrification Stability Evaluation

⊙: 0.8 or more

◯: 0.7 or more but less than 0.8

Δ: 0.6 or more but less than 0.7

x: less than 0.6

As described above, the toners (Examples 1 to 16) of the presentinvention using the toner binders of the present invention wereremarkably superior especially in electrification characteristics andblocking resistance to the comparative toners (Comparative Examples 1 to5) using comparative toner binders.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Since the toner of the present invention using the toner binder of thepresent invention is excellent in fixing temperature range, storagestability, and the like, the toner is useful as a toner to be used forelectrophotography, electrostatic recording, electrostatic printing, andthe like.

1. A toner binder which contains a polyester resin (P) composed of twoor more polyester resins which are each obtained by polycondensation ofa carboxylic acid component (x) and an alcohol component (y), whereinthe alcohol component (y) of at least one (P1) constituting the (P)contains 30 to 100 molar % of an adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with 2 to 4ethylene oxide molecules, the alcohol component (y) of at least one (P2)constituting the (P) contains 50 to 95 molar % of an aliphatic diol (y2)having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, the (P2) is other than the (P1), and the (P)satisfies relationships (1) and (2),11.5≦SP value [(cal/cm³)^(1/2)] of (P)≦13.0  (1)5.2≦HLB value [according to the Oda method] of (P)≦7.1  (2).
 2. Thetoner binder according to claim 1, wherein the polyester resin (P1)and/or (P2) is one in which 5 molar % or more of terminal hydroxylgroups are esterified with a monocarboxylic acid (x1), one in which 5molar % or more of terminal carboxyl groups are esterified with amonool, or one in which 5 molar % or more of terminal hydroxyl groupsare modified to vinyl groups.
 3. The toner binder according to claim 1,wherein the carboxylic acid component (x) of the polyester resin (P1)and/or (P2) includes a monocarboxylic acid (x1) and a polycarboxylicacid (x2), and 80 to 100 molar % of the (x) is an aromatic carboxylicacid.
 4. The toner binder according to claim 1, wherein the adduct (y1)of bisphenol A with 2 to 4 ethylene oxide molecules in the alcoholcomponent (y) of the polyester resin (P1) is an 85% or more adduct (y11)of bisphenol A with 2 ethylene oxide molecules.
 5. The toner binderaccording to claim 1, wherein the content of an adduct of bisphenol Awith one ethylene oxide molecule in the adduct (y1) of bisphenol A with2 to 4 ethylene oxide molecules is 1.5% or less.
 6. The toner binderaccording to claim 1, wherein the alcohol component (y2) thatconstitutes the polyester resin (P2) is ethylene glycol.
 7. The tonerbinder according to claim 1, wherein the polyester resins (P1) and (P2)satisfy relationship (3) and the (P2) satisfies relationship (4),100≧(P2)[G″120]/(P1)[G″120]≧1  (3)(P2)[G′180]≧2000  (4) [wherein (P2)[G″120] means a loss elastic modulus(dyn/cm²) of the polyester resin (P2) at 120° C., (P1)[G″120] means aloss elastic modulus (dyn/cm²) of the polyester resin (P1) at 120° C.,and (P2)[G′180] means a storage elastic modulus (dyn/cm²) of thepolyester resin (P2) at 180° C.]
 8. The toner binder according to claim1, wherein the (P1) is a linear polyester resin [P1(A)], the (P2) is anonlinear polyester resin [P2(B)], and the weight ratio of the [P1(A)]to the [P2(B)], [P1(A)]/[P2(B)], is 10/90 to 90/10.
 9. A toner whichcontains the toner binder according to claim 1, a colorant and, asnecessary, one or more additives selected from a release agent, a chargecontrolling agent and a fluidizer.